Live updates: Trump announces economic campaign against Iran

The United States announced a new round of sanctions against Iran on Thursday, targeting 17 vessels, individuals and networks involved in transporting Iranian crude oil, petroleum products and petrochemicals as Washington intensifies its campaign to deprive Tehran of revenue.

The measures are part of the Treasury Department's “Operation Economic Outcast," an initiative designed to restrict the Iranian government's ability to finance its war against the United States, missile development, cyberattacks and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

A senior Treasury official described the sanctions as a major step toward dismantling Iran's remaining network of vessels used to circumvent international restrictions on its oil exports.

"Today's action represents the most significant blow ​yet to Iran's remaining illicit maritime infrastructure by neutralizing the vast majority of the shadow ​fleet," the official told reporters during a conference call, as quoted by Reuters.

"Treasury is cutting off the regime's last major source of illicit revenue and strengthening international pressure to hold Tehran accountable."

The latest restrictions follow the reinstatement of the American naval blockade of Iranian ports on July 14, after a memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran aimed at ending the war collapsed.

According to a Treasury official, Iran now has approximately 20 million barrels of crude oil aboard vessels positioned beyond the blockade, near Singapore, Malaysia and China.

For comparison, global oil consumption stands at approximately 100 million barrels per day.

Another Treasury official said the combination of American sanctions and the naval blockade has brought Iranian crude oil loading and unloading operations to a halt.

Among the 17 vessels designated in the latest sanctions are the Paritosh, registered in Comoros; the Bitu, sailing under the Panamanian flag; and the Bahamas-flagged Gas Lucky.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that Washington would continue pursuing individuals and organizations involved in facilitating Iranian oil exports.

“Treasury is starving the tyrannical regime in Tehran of the money it uses to wage war in the region, and we will continue exposing those who enable the regime’s oil sales," Bessent wrote on social media.

“No enabler of Iranian sanctions evasion is safe from the full force of Treasury’s authorities," he added.

Bessent formally unveiled “Operation Economic Outcast" in August as a broad effort to isolate Iran economically and increase pressure on its leadership.

The campaign operates alongside the US Navy blockade reinstated by President Donald Trump in July and focuses on restricting Tehran's access to international oil markets and financial resources.

The Treasury Secretary has repeatedly stated that the administration intends to intensify economic restrictions until Iran agrees to a peace settlement with Trump.

He has also warned that Washington will pursue assets connected to the IRGC as part of its effort to undermine the Iranian government's financial capabilities.

In September, Bessent outlined the administration's approach in particularly forceful terms.

“We are going to economically asphyxiate this regime," he said, adding, “My job is to make sure that they want to have a deal, and they will want to have one."

Iran has no intention of ending its uranium enrichment activities or surrendering its uranium stockpiles, Mohammad Eslami, head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, declared Thursday, according to Iranian state media.

Eslami's remarks came in response to renewed American demands that Tehran significantly reduce its nuclear enrichment capabilities as a condition for reaching an agreement to end the ongoing war.

Rejecting Washington's latest warnings about possible attacks on Iranian nuclear installations as “nothing new," Eslami insisted that uranium enrichment remains “an inseparable part" of the nuclear process.

His comments underscore the continuing disagreements between Washington and Tehran over Iran's nuclear program, which have prevented several rounds of indirect negotiations from producing a breakthrough.

The talks are intended to bring an end to the conflict between the two countries and secure the reopening of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

Earlier this week, US Vice President JD Vance told Reuters that Iran must demonstrate a genuine willingness to scale back its nuclear activities before the United States would agree to end the war.

Vance emphasized that Washington would not accept assurances about future Iranian conduct without concrete measures to reduce the country's enrichment capacity.

"If you don't want a nuclear weapon, then why do you need 60% enriched fuel? And if you want to show commitment to not building a nuclear ⁠weapon, don't build highly enriched fuel. That's a very basic threshold issue," Vance said.

"I think if they want to show a commitment to not building a nuclear weapon, they would do something meaningful on their enrichment capacity."

The vice president stressed that the Trump administration was seeking verifiable changes rather than additional Iranian promises.

"We're not going to trade words for actions," Vance told Reuters.

Nevertheless, he indicated that Washington remained open to a negotiated settlement if Tehran agreed to substantive concessions concerning its nuclear program.

The dispute comes amid conflicting signals from the White House regarding the possibility of renewed military action against Iran.

Last week, President Donald Trump described Iran as “ready to fold up" and suggested that an American victory in the war could come shortly after the November midterm elections, or potentially even sooner.

On Thursday, however, Trump announced that the United States would refrain from launching attacks against Iran before the November 3 elections.

“We are having productive discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Trump also said Iran was experiencing significant economic and military difficulties, while making clear that American pressure on Tehran would continue.

The president added that the US blockade of Iran would remain fully in place, even as oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz continued at exceptionally high levels.

The Pentagon has drawn up plans for a renewed large-scale military offensive against Iran, including potential strikes on missile installations, drone facilities and energy infrastructure, The New York Times reported Thursday, citing US officials.

The preparations come as the American military moves toward deploying three aircraft carriers to the Middle East, marking one of its largest concentrations of naval forces in the region in years.

According to the report, President Donald Trump has instructed military planners to develop additional options for attacking Iran, despite repeatedly declining to authorize major operations in recent months.

Trump's national security advisers and Pentagon officials have presented him with five proposals for significant military action against Iran or the Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen. The president rejected each of them.

Nevertheless, preparations for another possible offensive are underway. Senior national security officials, led by Vice President JD Vance, discussed the latest proposals during a meeting at Camp David last Friday.

The plans envision a concentrated military campaign lasting approximately three days, according to people familiar with the discussions.

Potential targets include Iran's missile and drone stockpiles, much of which the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has rebuilt since the beginning of the war. Iranian energy installations, Revolutionary Guard command centers and military headquarters could also be targeted.

Axios previously reported details of the latest military planning.

The preparations are proceeding alongside diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict. US officials have endorsed Trump's assessment that negotiations conducted through intermediaries have produced some progress, although fundamental disagreements remain over Iran's nuclear program.

Washington wants an agreement addressing Tehran's nuclear ambitions before resolving other disputes. Iranian negotiators, however, have insisted that nuclear discussions should take place only at the final stage of negotiations.

American officials have also expressed concern that Iran has become a more formidable military opponent as the conflict has continued.

According to the report, improvements in Iranian tactics have forced US forces to expend more interceptors against incoming missiles than earlier in the war, placing additional pressure on American ammunition reserves.

Intelligence assessments also indicate that Iran has improved its ability to target US military bases using satellite imagery supplied by Chinese companies.

Iranian attacks on commercial shipping have continued despite the absence of a major American military response.

Since the last significant exchange of retaliatory strikes in September, Iran has attacked at least 13 vessels, according to a monitoring organization operated by the British Navy. US intelligence assessments place the figure closer to 20, according to people briefed on the findings.

The New York Times report was published hours after Trump announced that the United States would not launch attacks against Iran before the November 3 midterm elections.

“We are having productive discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

The president said Tehran was facing serious economic and military difficulties but emphasized that Washington would maintain pressure on the Iranian government.

He added that the US blockade of Iran would remain fully in effect, while oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz continued at exceptionally high levels.

Despite Trump's announcement, American military commanders remain prepared to begin a larger offensive within days should the president reverse his decision, according to The New York Times.

The report emphasized that the military preparations do not necessarily mean Trump will authorize another offensive, even after the elections.

Senior American officials remain concerned that renewed fighting could further strain US defensive weapons stockpiles, potentially weakening the military's ability to protect its bases in the Middle East and intercept additional Iranian attacks.

Former National Security Adviser Meir Ben-Shabbat, currently head of the Misgav Institute for National Security, spoke with Arutz Sheva - Israel National News about the investigation into the attempted terrorist attack aboard a Flydubai flight to Israel.

During the interview, Ben-Shabbat warned Arutz Sheva that the incident presents significant challenges for aviation security worldwide.

"My impression is that the investigation so far is being conducted cooperatively," he said. "The United Arab Emirates also has an interest in fully investigating the incident, understanding who was behind the attempt and how it happened. Otherwise, it will be difficult for them as well to close the security gaps that made it possible."

Drawing comparisons to the September 11 attacks, Ben-Shabbat warned that the threat to aviation security could come from within the aircraft's own crew, rather than from passengers.

"It is much harder to deal with an enemy from within, someone who is already part of the system: a pilot, a maintenance technician, or any other employee who has legitimate access to an aircraft," he explained.

Recalling the 2015 bombing of a Russian Metrojet aircraft over Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, which killed all 224 people on board, he noted that Investigators suspected that the explosive device had been planted with the assistance of someone working at the airport.

Ben-Shabbat also emphasized that identifying potential attackers has become increasingly complicated, particularly when dealing with individuals who undergo radicalization independently.

To address the threat, he recommended greater intelligence sharing between countries, improved screening and reliability checks for aviation personnel, increased intelligence efforts, and stronger oversight mechanisms.

"None of this guarantees a foolproof solution, but these measures can reduce the risks," he said, stressing that the recommendations must be implemented immediately to prevent possible copycat attacks.

Regarding the Iranian threat, Ben-Shabbat warned that Tehran could seek to exploit the upcoming election periods in Israel and the United States.

"The difficult situation Iran finds itself in could certainly push it to exploit what it perceives as opportunities, whether by acting directly or by encouraging its proxies to act," he explained.

Asked whether Israel should exercise restraint in its operations against Hezbollah and Hamas during the election campaign, Ben-Shabbat insisted, "Security operations must continue during the election period without being affected in any way. The State of Israel does not have the luxury of stopping or even slowing down until the elections are completed and a government is formed, and who knows how long that will take?"

Ben-Shabbat also addressed growing concerns over potential kidnapping attacks by Hamas or other Gaza-based terrorist organizations, explaining that the terrorist group is increasingly desperate as Israeli military pressure continues.

"Hamas is in distress. Israel's counterterrorism apparatus is operating relentlessly. Every day, the sword hangs over the heads of its senior officials and operatives. Under these conditions, the organization is struggling to stabilize itself," he said.

According to Ben-Shabbat, Hamas has been unable to generate sufficient international pressure to restrain Israeli operations and is therefore turning to a tactic it believes has proven effective in the past.

"Under these circumstances, Hamas is returning to an option that, from its perspective, has proven successful: kidnapping attacks."

He urged Israel to prevent such attacks through both heightened security measures and continued offensive operations throughout Gaza.

"The counterterrorism apparatus must operate relentlessly, everywhere in the Gaza Strip, at every level, and at all times," he urged. "Only in this way can Hamas operatives be forced to flee from place to place, remain in hiding, and devote all their energy to survival."

The Pentagon instructed US Central Command (CENTCOM) several days ago to complete preparations for the possibility of resuming large-scale military operations against Iran, Channel 12 News reported, citing senior American officials

The report emphasized that the instructions did not specify a date for launching an attack, and US President Donald Trump has not yet decided whether to resume the fighting.

According to the report, officials in the United States and Israel believe the attack could take place before the US midterm elections, and possibly even before Israel's elections, which are scheduled to be held a week earlier.

If hostilities resume, they are expected to include extensive strikes against energy facilities, infrastructure, and nuclear sites in Iran.

A senior Pentagon official told Channel 12 News: "The role of the Department of Defense is to develop and present military options to the president."

The White House has directed the Pentagon to prepare options for possible new military strikes against Iran that could be carried out before the November midterm elections, The Atlantic reported Wednesday, citing two administration officials.

According to the report, the request comes as President Donald Trump seeks to demonstrate progress in the conflict with Iran and bring down gas prices ahead of the vote.

No final decision has been made on whether to launch an operation, and administration officials are still discussing the potential scope and targets. US Central Command, which is overseeing the American war effort, has been tasked with developing the military options, a US official told The Atlantic.

Supporters of the proposal acknowledge that limited strikes alone would be unlikely to force Iran back to negotiations, reopen the Strait of Hormuz to safe passage or produce lower gasoline prices before Election Day. However, proponents reportedly believe renewed military action following months of uneasy peace could allow Trump to project strength and potentially claim a victory before voters head to the polls, providing Republicans with momentum ahead of the elections.

“It would make the president look like he got a win and that gas prices would start going down," a Republican familiar with the deliberations told The Atlantic.

According to the report, a limited operation before the midterms could be followed by a larger military campaign afterward. Trump has repeatedly raised the possibility that the conflict, now in its eighth month, could intensify following the elections.

Addressing the United Nations last month, Trump threatened to “annihilate the Islamic Republic" unless Tehran agreed to a deal. He again raised the possibility of post-election military action in an interview with Time magazine published earlier this month, saying “we’ve been stocking up for the last six months."

Last week, Trump predicted that the United States would win the war “right after the election," while leaving open the possibility of an earlier outcome, adding, “Maybe before the election."

The report comes as the Trump administration continues to demand concrete concessions from Iran over its nuclear program. Vice President JD Vance told Reuters this week that Tehran would have to meaningfully reduce its nuclear enrichment capabilities before Washington would agree to end the war.

Vance said the administration would not accept promises of future reductions as a substitute for an actual decrease in Iran's enrichment capacity.

"If you don't want a nuclear weapon, then why do you need 60% enriched fuel? And if you want to show commitment to not building a nuclear ⁠weapon, don't build highly enriched fuel. That's a very basic threshold issue," Vance said.

"I think if they want to show a commitment to not building a nuclear weapon, they would do something meaningful on their enrichment capacity."

Washington and Tehran have exchanged proposals in recent weeks aimed at ending the fighting and restoring shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for global energy supplies.

Trump rejected Iran's latest proposal, although Tehran subsequently maintained that it had received a response from Washington.

US Vice President JD Vance told the Reuters news agency that Iran would have to take concrete steps to reduce its nuclear enrichment capabilities before Washington would agree to end the seven-month war between the two countries.

In an exclusive interview with Reuters following a campaign trip to Alaska on Monday, Vance said the United States was seeking an actual reduction in Iran’s enrichment capacity rather than promises that Tehran would limit its nuclear program in the future.

"If you don't want a nuclear weapon, then why do you need 60% enriched fuel? And if you want to show commitment to not building a nuclear ⁠weapon, don't build highly enriched fuel. That's a very basic threshold issue," Vance said.

"I think if they want to show a commitment to not building a nuclear weapon, they would do something meaningful on their enrichment capacity."

The United States and Iran have exchanged proposals in recent weeks seeking to end the fighting and restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy supplies. President Donald Trump rejected Tehran's most recent proposal, even though Tehran later insisted it had received a response from Washington.

"We're not going to trade words for actions," Vance told Reuters, while emphasizing that Washington remained willing to reach an agreement if Iran makes substantive nuclear concessions.

Vance also said the United States faces uncertainty over how decisions are made within Iran's leadership. He said Washington has been negotiating with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, but questioned how much influence they have over the country's broader power structure following US-Israeli strikes at the beginning of the war that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

"One of the things we picked up on is it's not totally clear how their country makes decisions," Vance said.

The vice president said he has spoken directly with field commanders to assess conditions on the battlefield. He rejected concerns about critical US munitions shortages and said Iranian forces, while periodically capable of attacking commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, have largely failed to stop energy exports through the waterway.

Vance's comments came after Trump said Tuesday in Baltimore that his "biggest problem" is that no one knows who is running Iran.

At the same event, Trump stated that the war against Iran could conclude “pretty soon," while suggesting Washington would decide whether to pursue a diplomatic outcome or take a harsher approach.

“We're doing extremely well in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Very well. The whole place is shot. They were the bully of the Middle East. They're not so much the bully anymore. But we have to finish up, and it's only a question of which way we want to do it: the nice way or the not-so-nice way. And pretty soon you'll find out," Trump said.

Last week, Trump described Iran as “ready to fold up" and suggested the war could be won shortly after the midterm elections, or potentially before they take place.

Speaking at an event in Texas, he said, “We have a war going on with a country that will never have a nuclear weapon and is ready to fold up. We'll win very easily right now. I believe right after the election we'll win, but maybe before the election."

Trump has also maintained that Iran was “three to four weeks away, maybe sooner" from obtaining a nuclear weapon when the war began in late February. “And if they have a nuclear weapon, the whole game is over.." he said. He warned that the conflict would end “one way or the other...either they'll do something very proper and smart or they won't be around very long, which is, you know, frankly, I hate to see that, but they won't be around very long."

Satellite images from recent months indicate a significant resumption of activity at the Minzadei complex, a facility northeast of Tehran that the Institute for Science and International Security says was used to develop nuclear weapons. Israel exposed and struck the site during Operation Roaring Lion.

According to the institute’s analysis, high-resolution satellite imagery captured by VANTOR Technologies in September and October 2026 shows a substantial renewal of activity at the complex, months after the Israeli strike.

The site was attacked on March 3, destroying several buildings and damaging underground infrastructure.

In the aftermath of the strike, Iran carried out an extensive cleanup operation, removing rubble and repairing damage to the hillside.

However, the latest images show a return to regular vehicle traffic throughout the complex, as well as ongoing earthworks in one of the areas damaged during the March attack.

Minzadei was one of several facilities linked to Iran’s nuclear program targeted during the campaign. It was described as a “secret nuclear headquarters" on the outskirts of Tehran, alongside other nuclear sites and laboratories hit during the fighting.

As early as May, reports indicated that Tehran had restored its missile infrastructure faster than Western assessments had anticipated, reopening 50 of 69 blocked entrances at underground facilities. Satellite imagery at the time also showed active reconstruction at damaged missile production plants.

During Operation Roaring Lion, thousands of targets across Iran were hit. By the time the ceasefire took effect, Israel had carried out more than 10,800 strikes, dropping over 18,000 munitions and hitting approximately 4,000 targets and more than 6,700 components.

The IDF assessed during the campaign that nearly all facilities designated in advance as “vital and strategic" targets had been put out of operation.

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the war against Iran could conclude “pretty soon," while suggesting Washington would decide whether to pursue a diplomatic outcome or take a harsher approach.

“We're doing extremely well in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Very well. The whole place is shot. They were the bully of the Middle East. They're not so much the bully anymore. But we have to finish up, and it's only a question of which way we want to do it: the nice way or the not-so-nice way. And pretty soon you'll find out," Trump said at an event in Baltimore, Maryland.

The president has repeatedly forecast a swift end to the conflict without specifying when or how it would conclude. On Monday, he said the United States was defeating Iran and predicted the war “will end very quickly" during a rally in Nebraska ahead of November's midterm elections.

“We're saving the world from what could be one of the worst tragedies ever. They won't have - that's decided - they will not have a nuclear weapon. They understand that," he said. Trump also predicted a sharp decline in prices once the conflict ends, adding, “The war will end very quickly, and prices are going to come down very sharply. You might say, 'Please, please, sir, it's going down too fast!' You watch what's going to happen in a very short period of time," he added.

Last week, Trump described Iran as “ready to fold up" and suggested the war could be won shortly after the midterm elections, or potentially before they take place.

Speaking at an event in Texas, he said, “We have a war going on with a country that will never have a nuclear weapon and is ready to fold up. We'll win very easily right now. I believe right after the election we'll win, but maybe before the election."

Trump has also maintained that Iran was “three to four weeks away, maybe sooner" from obtaining a nuclear weapon when the war began in late February. “And if they have a nuclear weapon, the whole game is over.." he said. He warned that the conflict would end “one way or the other...either they'll do something very proper and smart or they won't be around very long, which is, you know, frankly, I hate to see that, but they won't be around very long."

Iranian security official Mohsen Rezaei responded on social media by calling Trump “the worst president in American history" and accusing him of making claims detached from reality.

“You can win every day in your own imagination. But reality is shaped by Iran - by its people, its soldiers, and its missiles," Rezaei wrote.

The exchange came as Iran announced that it had received a new American response regarding efforts to restore a ceasefire in the Gulf. Trump said last week that he had rejected an Iranian proposal.

The US Treasury Department warned foreign financial institutions Monday that continuing to conduct business with Iran or its financial sector could expose them to American sanctions without prior warning.

"Foreign financial institutions continuing to transact with sanctioned Iranian financial institutions could be targeted at any time without advance notification and should take immediate action to terminate such activity and relationships," the Treasury Department said in an alert quoted by Reuters.

Iran was already subject to extensive US sanctions before the war began in February. In recent weeks, however, Washington has stepped up pressure on foreign governments and businesses to sever economic ties with Tehran or risk losing access to the US dollar-based financial system.

According to the Treasury notice, foreign financial institutions that help Iran access international financial markets, including by providing services to Iranian banks, their subsidiaries or branches in third countries, could be sanctioned for supporting sanctioned sectors of the Iranian economy. They could also face civil or criminal enforcement action if Iran-related transactions cause US financial institutions or other American persons to violate sanctions.

Among the measures Washington could impose are "strict conditions" prohibiting foreign financial institutions from opening or maintaining US correspondent or payable-through accounts if they engage in sanctioned activities.

The warning comes as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pursues “Operation Economic Outcast," a campaign announced in August designed to economically isolate Iran. The effort is being conducted alongside a US Navy blockade that President Donald Trump reimposed in July.

Bessent has said Washington will continue increasing economic pressure on Tehran until the Iranian government agrees to a peace deal with President Trump. He has also warned that the United States will target assets linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

“We are going to economically asphyxiate this regime," Bessent said in September, adding, “My job is to make sure that they want to have a deal, and they will want to have one."

Bessent said the Treasury Department had located IRGC-linked assets around the world and signaled that they could become targets of US action.

“We are tracking down the IRGC’s assets, and I will say it on worldwide TV, just so you know: We know where in the British Virgin Islands your accounts are at these trust companies," he stated.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) forces on Monday redirected the 130th commercial vessel in the Middle East during strict enforcement of the ongoing US naval blockade against Iran, CENTCOM said in a statement.

CENTCOM forces resumed the blockade against ships attempting to enter or depart Iranian ports July 14 at the Commander in Chief's direction. In addition to redirecting 130 vessels, American forces have disabled three ships that refused to comply.

Over the past 12 weeks, CENTCOM has destroyed 13 commercial vessels that were violating the blockade or part of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps' multibillion-dollar shadow network, said the statement.

"The US military remains intensely focused on this mission," said Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander. "We will swiftly act against any vessels trying to run the blockade. Our forces are highly trained, professional, and lethal."

All mariners are advised to monitor Notice to Mariners broadcasts and contact US naval forces on bridge-to-bridge channel 16 when operating in the Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz approaches.

US President Donald Trump said on Monday that the US is defeating Iran and predicted that the war “will end very quickly."

“We’re saving the world from what could be one of the worst tragedies ever. They won’t have - that’s decided - they will not have a nuclear weapon. They understand that," Trump said at rally in Nebraska ahead of the midterm elections in November.

“The war will end very quickly, and prices are going to come down very sharply. You might say, 'Please, please, sir, it's going down too fast!' You watch what’s going to happen in a very short period of time," he added.

Last week, Trump stated that Iran is “ready to fold up" and again predicted that the conflict could conclude shortly after the November midterm elections.

Speaking at an event in Texas, Trump said, “We have a war going on with a country that will never have a nuclear weapon and is ready to fold up. We'll win very easily right now. I believe right after the election we'll win, but maybe before the election."

Trump also reiterated that Iran had been “three to four weeks away, maybe sooner" from obtaining a nuclear weapon when the war began at the end of February. “And if they have a nuclear weapon, the whole game is over.."

He said the conflict would end “one way or the other...either they'll do something very proper and smart or they won't be around very long, which is, you know, frankly, I hate to see that, but they won't be around very long."

Iranian security official Mohsen Rezaei responded by sharply criticizing Trump on social media, describing him as “the worst president in American history" and saying his rhetoric had “outrun his own fantasies."

“You can win every day in your own imagination. But reality is shaped by Iran - by its people, its soldiers, and its missiles," wrote Rezaei.

The exchange followed Iran’s announcement that it had received a new US response concerning efforts to restore a ceasefire in the Gulf. Trump said last week that he had rejected an Iranian proposal.

Arutz Sheva-Israel National News is stopping its round-the-clock news updates at this time in honor of the start of Shabbat and the the holidays of Shmini Atzeret and Simchat Torah in North America, where they are being written now.

Updates will resume Saturday night from Israel, following the conclusion of Shabbat, Shmini Atzeret and Simchat Torah at 18:58 Jerusalem time.

Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach!

Iranian security official Mohsen Rezaei sharply criticized US President Donald Trump on Friday as the American leader considers whether to resume strikes against Iran, accusing him of repeatedly declaring victories that do not exist.

In a social media post apparently directed at Trump, Rezaei described him as “the worst president in American history" and said his rhetoric had “outrun his own fantasies."

“You can win every day in your own imagination. But reality is shaped by Iran - by its people, its soldiers, and its missiles," he wrote.

Rezaei’s comments came after Trump said Thursday that Iran is “ready to fold up" and again predicted that the conflict could conclude shortly after the November midterm elections.

Speaking at an event in Texas, Trump said, “We have a war going on with a country that will never have a nuclear weapon and is ready to fold up. We'll win very easily right now. I believe right after the election we'll win, but maybe before the election."

Trump also reiterated that Iran had been “three to four weeks away, maybe sooner" from obtaining a nuclear weapon when the war began at the end of February. “And if they have a nuclear weapon, the whole game is over.."

He said the conflict would end “one way or the other...either they'll do something very proper and smart or they won't be around very long, which is, you know, frankly, I hate to see that, but they won't be around very long."

Trump said Wednesday that Washington was approaching a decision on how to proceed and indicated that the options included additional military action or reaching an agreement with Tehran.

Asked in the Oval Office how an agreement could be reached with Iranian leaders whom he has repeatedly called “crazy," Trump said, “Maybe you blow them up. Maybe you blow them up. We have to make that decision. We blow them up, make a deal. But the time is coming. It's going to end very soon, one way or the other. "

The latest exchange followed Iran’s announcement that it had received a new US response concerning efforts to restore a ceasefire in the Gulf. Trump said over the weekend that he had rejected an Iranian proposal.

(Arutz Sheva-Israel National News' North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Simchat Torah and Shmini Atzeret in New York. The time posted automatically on all Israel National News articles, however, is Israeli time.)

Arutz Sheva-Israel National News' Israel desk is stopping its round-the-clock news updates at this time in honor of the holidays of Shmini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. Jerusalem candle lighting time is 17:43 on Friday. Our North American desk will keep you informed until the 18:18 EDT candle lighting time in New York.

The updates from Israel will resume Tuesday night, following the conclusion of Shabbat, Shmini Atzeret and Simchat Torah at 18:58 in Jerusalem.

Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach!

The United States announced new sanctions against major Iranian automobile and railway companies on Thursday, as well as foreign suppliers linked to those industries, in another effort by the Trump administration to put economic pressure on Tehran, Reuters reported.

The measures fall under the Treasury Department’s “Operation Economic Outcast," launched August 24 with the stated goal of restricting Iranian funding for the war, missile development, cyberattacks and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The administration says the campaign is intended to pressure Tehran into negotiations to end the war that began following a US-Israeli strike on Iran about seven months ago.

According to the Treasury Department, the US blockade of Iranian oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz has increased Tehran’s reliance on road and rail networks to move petroleum, fertilizer, chemicals and other commodities. The latest sanctions are aimed at those transportation channels.

Among the newly sanctioned companies are Iran Khodro Company (IKCO) and SAIPA Iranian Automobile Manufacturing Company (SAIPA), which Treasury said account for more than 90% of Iran’s domestic automobile market. The list also includes the state-owned Islamic Republic of Iran Railway Company, which operates passenger and freight services; Raja Passenger Trains Company; and Sherkat-E Rah Ahan-E Khamle-O-Naghle, known as the Railway Transportation Company, described by Treasury as a leading private freight operator.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the action “directly targets Iran’s enablers and lays the groundwork for the United States and our partners to drain the regime’s revenue once and for all."

The announcement follows another round of US sanctions earlier this week against 10 individuals and entities in China, Hong Kong, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Washington accused the targets of assisting Iran in obtaining components for its weapons programs, including equipment sought by the country’s Defense Ministry.

The sanctions block assets under US jurisdiction and prohibit US persons from conducting transactions with the designated individuals and entities. The Treasury Department said the measures are designed to hinder Iran’s efforts to rebuild its weapons capabilities and increase the financial costs for those helping Tehran obtain military-related equipment.

The US military has deployed two additional Patriot missile batteries to Saudi Arabia and Qatar in recent weeks to help protect key oil and natural gas facilities, Axios reported Thursday, citing two US officials and a regional source.

The deployments are intended to reassure the two US allies that Washington would defend their critical energy infrastructure if President Donald Trump decides to resume major military operations against Iran. Last month, one Patriot battery was sent to Saudi Arabia to protect a key oil facility, while another was deployed to Qatar to defend a natural gas facility.

The moves follow concerns raised in early August, when Trump was considering a major attack on Iran that could have included strikes on its energy infrastructure. The leaders of Saudi Arabia and Qatar urged Trump not to proceed, warning that Iran could retaliate by targeting their oil and gas facilities.

US officials told Axios that the concerns played a key role in Trump's decision to abandon a major attack and pursue an economic pressure campaign instead.

Saudi Arabia would also need to permit US forces to use its airspace if major combat operations against Iran resume. According to the report, Riyadh could be reluctant to grant such access if it does not believe its energy infrastructure is adequately protected.

A spokesperson for US Central Command (CENTCOM), Capt. Tim Hawkins, declined to comment.

At the same time, Washington is reinforcing its military presence in the Middle East with additional warships, fighter aircraft and troops amid the possibility of renewed fighting.

The USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier and its strike group departed San Diego “quietly" on Sunday and are expected to reach the region around mid-November, according to a US official cited by Axios.

The Roosevelt would join the USS George H.W. Bush, which has been deployed in the region since March, and the USS George Washington, which was sent from Japan during the summer and has been in the region for about a month. “This means the Middle East region could potentially have up to three aircraft carrier strike groups. This is much more firepower," the US official said.

A second US official said, however, that it has not yet been decided whether the Roosevelt will replace one of the carriers currently deployed in the Middle East or arrive as an additional carrier.

The report came after Trump said at an event in Texas that Iran is “ready to fold up" and again predicted that the war with Tehran could end shortly after the November midterm elections.

He said the conflict would end “one way or the other...either they'll do something very proper and smart or they won't be around very long, which is, you know, frankly, I hate to see that, but they won't be around very long."

Trump made similar remarks Wednesday, saying the US was nearing a decision on its next steps toward Iran and indicating that Washington could either carry out additional strikes or reach an agreement with Tehran.

Asked in the Oval Office how the US could reach an agreement with Iranian leaders whom he has repeatedly called “crazy," Trump replied, “Maybe you blow them up. Maybe you blow them up. We have to make that decision. We blow them up, make a deal. But the time is coming. It's going to end very soon, one way or the other. "

His remarks came after Iran announced that it had received the latest US response regarding efforts to restore the Gulf ceasefire. Trump had said over the weekend that he rejected Tehran’s proposal.

US President Donald Trump said Thursday that Iran is “ready to fold up" and again predicted that the war with Tehran could end shortly after the November midterm elections.

Speaking at an event in Denton, Texas, Trump said, “We have a war going on with a country that will never have a nuclear weapon and is ready to fold up. We'll win very easily right now. I believe right after the election we'll win, but maybe before the election."

“Nobody wants to be president [of Iran]," Trump continued. “We have intercepts where it says, 'Who wants to be president? No, I don't want to be president'. Because their presidents aren't with us any longer, but we're trying to be nice to the current person. We've got to deal with somebody at some point, right?"

Trump also said Iran had been “three to four weeks away, maybe sooner" from obtaining a nuclear weapon when the war began at the end of February. “And if they have a nuclear weapon, the whole game is over. We can't let them have."

He said the conflict would end “one way or the other...either they'll do something very proper and smart or they won't be around very long, which is, you know, frankly, I hate to see that, but they won't be around very long."

Trump made similar remarks Wednesday, saying the US was nearing a decision on its next steps toward Iran and indicating that Washington could either carry out additional strikes or reach an agreement with Tehran.

Asked in the Oval Office how the US could reach an agreement with Iranian leaders whom he has repeatedly called “crazy," Trump replied, “Maybe you blow them up. Maybe you blow them up. We have to make that decision. We blow them up, make a deal. But the time is coming. It's going to end very soon, one way or the other. "

His remarks came after Iran announced that it had received the latest US response regarding efforts to restore the Gulf ceasefire. Trump had said over the weekend that he rejected Tehran’s proposal.

US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the United States is approaching a decision point on how to proceed with Iran, suggesting that Washington could either launch further attacks or reach an agreement with Tehran.

Asked in the Oval Office how a deal could be reached with Iranian leaders whom he has repeatedly described as "crazy", Trump responded, "Maybe you blow them up. Maybe you blow them up. We have to make that decision. We blow them up, make a deal. But the time is coming. It's going to end very soon, one way or the other. "

Trump also said the United States currently has control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz. "We’re literally running the Strait of Hormuz. We have total control. I guess that’s always subject to change, you know, if they drop one mine."

His remarks came after Iran announced that it had received the latest US response regarding efforts to restore the Gulf ceasefire. Trump had said over the weekend that he rejected Tehran’s proposal.

An Iranian government spokesperson said Wednesday that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had conveyed the American response to the government in Tehran.

Qatar has been attempting to bridge the gap between the two sides, with its mediators holding separate discussions with American and Iranian representatives in New York last week on the sidelines of a United Nations meeting. The contacts marked the first proximity talks between Washington and Tehran since the previous ceasefire collapsed.

Axios reported Tuesday that the Qatari mediation effort had failed to overcome the differences between the sides, with both Washington and Tehran maintaining their respective positions.

A source involved in the negotiations separately told Channel 13 News that the parties remain a considerable distance from an agreement and that the discussions are increasingly pointing toward renewed confrontation rather than a diplomatic breakthrough.

"The sides are still closer to war than to an agreement," the source said, adding that both sides "have become more rigid."

Iran announced Wednesday that it had received Washington’s response to its latest proposal for restoring the ceasefire in the Gulf, despite President Donald Trump saying several days earlier that he had turned down the offer, Reuters reported.

The announcement comes as the conflict between the United States and Iran enters its eighth month. Tehran presented its latest proposal last week, calling for Washington to lift its blockade of Iranian ports while Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days.

Trump said Sunday that he had rejected the proposal. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, however, said Tehran had not been given a formal rejection.

An Iranian government spokesperson said Wednesday in a post on social media that Araghchi had since delivered the American response to the Iranian government.

Qatar has been attempting to bridge the gap between the two sides, with its mediators holding separate discussions with American and Iranian representatives in New York last week on the sidelines of a United Nations meeting. The contacts marked the first proximity talks between Washington and Tehran since the previous ceasefire collapsed.

Axios reported Tuesday that the Qatari mediation effort had failed to overcome the differences between the sides, with both Washington and Tehran maintaining their respective positions.

A source involved in the negotiations separately told Channel 13 News that the parties remain a considerable distance from an agreement and that the discussions are increasingly pointing toward renewed confrontation rather than a diplomatic breakthrough.

"The sides are still closer to war than to an agreement," the source said, adding that both sides "have become more rigid."

Trump has repeatedly maintained that the conflict will end soon and that Iran will eventually surrender. Speaking to reporters Tuesday, he said, “I don’t know if they are going to give up yet but they’ll give up," adding, “They are doing very poorly."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed with new Israeli intelligence indicating that Iran is once again advancing its nuclear program, CNN reported.

According to the report, the information Netanyahu presented to bin Zayed during their meeting in Abu Dhabi earlier this week included details of new construction work at Iran's "Pickaxe Mountain" site.

Two sources familiar with the details of the visit told CNN that a senior Saudi security official also participated in the diplomatic-security meeting.

In addition to the nuclear issue, the talks addressed other regional developments, including threats posed by the Houthi militia in Yemen, security along the strategic Bab el-Mandeb shipping route at the entrance to the Red Sea, and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

The UAE's official news agency confirmed earlier this week that UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed hosted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday for a secret diplomatic meeting in Abu Dhabi.

An official statement from the UAE government, issued after a full day of media silence, said the two leaders discussed bilateral relations and ways to continue strengthening and expanding them in a variety of fields.

Israeli diplomatic officials assess that a second meeting within just a few months indicates that the UAE views its relationship with Israel as a long-term strategic asset in its own right, regardless of the identity of the country's leadership.

The Prime Minister's Office also issued an official statement confirming the visit: "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife visited the United Arab Emirates yesterday (Sunday, 27 September 2026), at the invitation of the UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed. The visit focused on strengthening relations between the two countries and on regional challenges. The Prime Minister was accompanied by the head of the National Security Council, the head of the Mossad, the military secretary and the foreign policy adviser."

Efforts by Qatar to mediate between the United States and Iran have failed to produce a breakthrough, with both sides maintaining positions that have left the negotiations at an impasse, three sources familiar with the talks told Axios on Tuesday.

The lack of progress has strengthened concerns that the diplomatic stalemate could eventually lead to renewed military confrontation. US officials believe President Donald Trump could potentially order a return to major combat operations after the midterm elections.

Qatari mediators intend to continue their efforts but are becoming increasingly frustrated with both Washington and Tehran, according to two of the sources cited by Axios. On Monday, Qatari mediator Ali al-Thawadi spent several hours in New York meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his delegation. A source familiar with the discussions said the sides examined a two-page Qatari compromise proposal.

According to two other sources, the proposal sought to bridge Iran’s demand that the US lift its naval blockade and Washington’s insistence on receiving concessions from Tehran regarding its nuclear program.

Later Monday, al-Thawadi met in Washington with Trump envoy Jared Kushner and other US officials, with Vice President Vance participating in part of the meeting. The White House declined to comment.

The talks initially appeared more promising. On Monday morning, US officials briefed several news organizations, including Axios, that the discussions were “positive and constructive" and that Iran “indicated they are flexible on the nuclear issues." Officials also said Trump was prepared to consider sanctions relief and the release of frozen Iranian funds in exchange for concrete steps to scale back Tehran’s nuclear program.

Hours later, however, while Qatari officials were still at the White House, Trump wrote on Truth Social that he had offered Iran nothing.

One source said the negotiations had made no significant progress on Monday. “It is stuck. The Iranians are asking for things the US can't accept and the US thinks it is winning so there is no need for compromise," the source told Axios.

Iranian Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Mohsen Rezaei said Tuesday that Tehran had already presented its conditions to Washington, while accusing Trump of being unable to make a decision.

“Trump is incapable of making a decision," Rezaei said, according to Iranian media. “Trump is trapped in a quagmire in which he can neither negotiate nor fight."

Trump offered a different assessment when asked about the situation by reporters Tuesday. “They are doing very poorly. I don't know if they are ready to give up yet. They will give up. This is to stop a nuclear weapon. Iran will not have a nuclear weapon."

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that Iran is struggling and predicted that the Islamic Republic will ultimately surrender, while reiterating that the US campaign is aimed at preventing Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

“They're doing very poorly. I don’t know if they’re going to give up yet, but they will give up," said Trump.

Trump also claimed that the United States has moved more oil through the Strait of Hormuz in recent days than at any previous point in history.

“We took more oil out of the Hormuz Strait over the last couple of days than at any point in history, including long before we had the war to stop the nuclear weapon. And this is to stop the nuclear weapon," he added.

Asked why Iran should not be allowed to possess nuclear weapons while North Korea does, Trump pointed to the difference in leadership between the two countries.

“Because you had a different president. Kim Jong Un," replied Trump, referring to the North Korean leader and adding, “He's a friend of mine. He likes Trump. I'm about the only person in the world that he likes. And I like him. I get a lot of heat when I say that. He does have a pretty large nuclear capacity. That could have been stopped, but they had presidents that weren't Trump. As long as I’m around, he’s going to be fine. You know why? Because he respects me."

Trump’s remarks came one day after he said he expected the war with Iran to end “very soon" and expressed confidence that the US would prevail.

Speaking in the Oval Office Monday, Trump said, “We're going to win, as far as I'm concerned, it's going to ‌be ⁠one way or the other," adding, “It's going ⁠to go pretty quickly." He also predicted that gas prices would “come tumbling down" after an American victory.

The president also defended the decision to fight Iran, warning of what he said could happen if Tehran obtained a nuclear weapon.

“If you want to see turmoil, let them take out a city with a nuclear weapon. I’m not only talking about Israel and big parts of the Middle East. Let them hit us with a nuclear weapon, for all those stupid people that think it’s okay," said Trump.

Addressing Iran’s leadership, Trump said, “They are crazy. There’s no question about it. They are very crazy people. I tell them all the time. I say, 'You are crazy, man.' But they cannot have a nuclear weapon."

US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner held indirect communications with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi through Qatari intermediaries during the UN General Assembly in New York last week.

Iran proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz and restarting nuclear negotiations within a week in exchange for an end to the US naval blockade, the lifting of restrictions on Iranian oil exports and restoration of a regional ceasefire. Trump rejected the proposal Saturday.

US President Donald Trump on Monday strongly rejected a report by Axios claiming his administration had offered Iran sanctions relief and access to frozen funds in exchange for concrete concessions on its nuclear program.

The report, citing US officials, said Trump was prepared to ease sanctions and release Iranian assets that are currently frozen if Tehran agreed to specific steps concerning its nuclear activities.

The reported proposal comes as Qatari and Pakistani mediators seek to facilitate another round of indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran. The two sides remain divided over key issues, with Iran seeking to make the Strait of Hormuz and the US naval blockade central to the talks, while the Trump administration is demanding commitments on Iran’s nuclear program.

According to Axios, a US official familiar with the negotiations described the discussions as "positive and constructive" and said Iran "has indicated they are flexible on the nuclear issues." The official stressed, however, that significant differences remain and that there will be no agreement "unless the nuclear issues are addressed."

"The sides still remain apart on the timing of the commitments and who takes which steps first," the official said.

The official also said Washington believes its position is improving as maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz increases while the blockade and sanctions continue to put pressure on Iran.

"The Strait of Hormuz traffic continues to rise and the blockade and sanctions continue to degrade Iran's position. The US position gets stronger every day and President Trump remains patient and fully committed to his goal that Iran never have a nuclear weapon," the official said.

The official added that the White House remains doubtful of Iranian commitments, accusing Tehran of violating its previous memorandum of understanding by firing on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz in July.

"The US needs assurances this time that Iran is serious and it's not just them trying to get out of the tough situation they are in," the official said.

Trump directly disputed the Axios report in a post on Truth Social. "Axios just released a story that 'Trump' offered Sanctions Relief and Frozen Funds to Iran. This is untrue. I offered them NOTHING!"

He subsequently attacked the report as false, writing, "Axios’ story, like most others, is a HOAX, used only for purposes of satisfying their Trump Derangement Syndrome. They should withdraw this fake story, IMMEDIATELY!"

US President Donald Trump said Monday that he expects the war with Iran to conclude “very soon," reiterating his confidence that the United States will prevail.

Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump said, "We're going to win, as far as I'm concerned, it's going to ‌be ⁠one way or the other," adding, "It's going ⁠to go pretty quickly." He also predicted that gas prices would “come tumbling down" following an American victory.

Trump defended his decision to go to war with Iran by warning of the consequences he said could have followed if Tehran had been allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon.

"If you want to see turmoil, let them take out a city with a nuclear weapon. I’m not only talking about Israel and big parts of the Middle East. Let them hit us with a nuclear weapon, for all those stupid people that think it’s okay," said Trump.

Turning to Iran’s leadership, Trump said, "They are crazy. There’s no question about it. They are very crazy people. I tell them all the time. I say, 'You are crazy, man.' But they cannot have a nuclear weapon."

Trump said preventing Iran from obtaining such a weapon was the reason he entered the conflict.

"I went to war to stop what could be one of the worst things that could ever happen to the world - to us, but to the world," Trump continued. "Israel would be wiped out right now. There would be no Israel, there'd be no Middle East, and then the rockets and the bombs would start coming our way and Europe's way. And I stopped it."

The President made similar comments in an interview with Fox News on Sunday, saying that he expects the United States to prevail in the war against Iran in the near future, while stressing that preventing Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon remains central to the conflict.

“I think what’s going to happen is we’re going to win this war very soon," he said, adding that stopping Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon was “key to the whole thing."

“We’ve already won it really from a military standpoint," the President added, while noting that the campaign had not necessarily ended.

Trump also declined to rule out renewed US strikes against Iran before the midterm elections. “I don’t want to say that. I don’t want to say that. I mean, it’s possible, but I just don’t want to say that," he said.

Last week, US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner communicated with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi through Qatari intermediaries on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

Iran presented a proposal during those discussions that called for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and resuming nuclear negotiations within a week, in exchange for Washington ending its naval blockade, lifting restrictions on Iranian oil exports and restoring a regional ceasefire. Trump rejected the proposal Saturday.

US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz on Sunday criticized Iran’s proposed seven-day ceasefire, describing it as a “pretty cynical attempt" to obtain sanctions relief, end the US blockade and gain access to billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets.

In an appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press, Waltz said Washington remains skeptical of Tehran following an earlier agreement.

“I think it’s kind of common sense that the president doesn’t have a lot of confidence this time, after we just tried a few months ago," he said. Waltz also accused Iran of violating a previous memorandum of understanding by attacking international shipping.

Asked about a Wall Street Journal report that President Donald Trump was preparing to resume strikes against Iran after the November midterm elections, Waltz dismissed the report as “anonymous reporting."

He added, “What I can tell you is the president will leave all options on the table."

Waltz said any future agreement must address Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium as well as its ability to resume uranium enrichment. He said the United States had previously offered Tehran an alternative. “Our negotiators even offered to sell them uranium," he said.

Waltz spoke a day after Trump confirmed that Iran had submitted the proposal but said he rejected it. “They made a proposal, but I rejected it," Trump said.

Trump said Sunday in an interview with Fox News that he expects the United States to prevail against Iran soon and reiterated that preventing Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon is central to the conflict.

“I think what’s going to happen is we’re going to win this war very soon," Trump said, adding that preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon was “key to the whole thing."

“We’ve already won it really from a military standpoint," Trump added, while indicating that the US campaign has not necessarily concluded.

Trump also declined to rule out renewed American strikes against Iran before the midterm elections. “I don’t want to say that. I don’t want to say that. I mean, it’s possible, but I just don’t want to say that," he said.

Eight US Marines were injured in an Iranian cruise missile strike on a maritime vessel operating in the Strait of Hormuz on September 14, NBC News reported Sunday, citing three US officials. The incident had not previously been publicly reported.

The Marines did not suffer serious injuries, but experienced smoke inhalation and symptoms consistent with concussions, including headaches, raising the possibility of traumatic brain injuries, according to the officials.

Seven of the Marines were enlisted personnel and one was an officer. All returned to duty shortly after the attack, which occurred while they were serving as part of a battalion landing team.

The officials said the Marines were not aboard a US Navy ship and would only describe the vessel as a maritime vessel. The Defense Department did not publicly report an attack against US forces in the region on September 14. A US Central Command spokesperson declined to comment, while the Defense Department referred questions to CENTCOM.

The injuries were added to the Pentagon’s Defense Casualty Analysis System, or DCAS, roughly 10 days after the attack. The system showed 861 US service members injured in the war with Iran as of Wednesday. One US official said casualty reporting can be delayed because some symptoms do not immediately emerge and the database does not update in real time.

DCAS does not provide details about the circumstances surrounding the injuries of the eight Marines, including where or when they were injured.

The incident comes amid continued questions over the number of US military casualties in the conflict, which began in February. Unlike in some previous overseas wars, casualty information has not been consistently disclosed, and the Pentagon recently reduced its reported number of deaths from the summer after changing how some fatalities were classified.

Meanwhile, the US military continues enforcing a naval blockade on vessels attempting to enter or leave Iranian ports through the Strait of Hormuz. The blockade, first imposed in April, involves coordination with commercial vessels to facilitate safe passage through multiple designated shipping lanes. US forces are also continuing efforts to intercept Iranian projectiles and clear the lanes of mines.

An agreement reached in June temporarily suspended the US measures in return for unrestricted commercial shipping, but Washington reinstated the blockade in July after fighting resumed.

The measures have been followed by a gradual increase in commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz after activity there had largely stalled. However, according to one US official, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps continues attempting to attack ships almost daily.

US President Donald Trump said Sunday that he expects the United States to prevail in the war against Iran in the near future, while stressing that preventing Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon remains central to the conflict.

In an interview with Fox News, Trump said the US was making progress against Iran on both the military and economic fronts.

“I think what’s going to happen is we’re going to win this war very soon," he said, adding that stopping Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon was “key to the whole thing."

“We’ve already won it really from a military standpoint," the President added, while noting that the campaign had not necessarily ended.

Trump also declined to rule out renewed US strikes against Iran before the midterm elections. “I don’t want to say that. I don’t want to say that. I mean, it’s possible, but I just don’t want to say that," he said.

Earlier Sunday, Trump told Axios that he expects another round of talks with Iran this week despite rejecting Tehran’s latest proposal to end the conflict.

"I expect more talks with Iran [this week]. They want to make a deal, but it is not the deal that I want to make. It is what we would have maybe agreed to a year ago. They overplayed their hand," Trump said.

Asked by Axios whether he was considering additional military action, Trump replied: "I am always thinking about it."

According to Axios, Qatar and other regional mediators are working to facilitate another round of indirect US-Iran negotiations, possibly as early as Monday. Washington and Tehran remain divided over the terms of any agreement, with Iran seeking provisions addressing maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and the US naval blockade, while the United States is demanding concessions from Tehran on its nuclear program.

The latest diplomatic push follows talks last Tuesday on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner communicated with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi through Qatari intermediaries.

Iran presented a proposal during those discussions that called for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and resuming nuclear negotiations within a week, in exchange for Washington ending its naval blockade, lifting restrictions on Iranian oil exports and restoring a regional ceasefire. Trump rejected the proposal Saturday.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned on Sunday that Iran is fully prepared for renewed military confrontation with the United States, including what he described as a "doomsday war," while maintaining that Tehran remains willing to pursue a diplomatic agreement with Washington.

Speaking with Kristen Welker on NBC News' Meet the Press, Araghchi addressed President Donald Trump's rejection of an Iranian seven-day proposal aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and restoring normal activity in the Persian Gulf.

The Iranian Foreign Minister questioned Washington's rejection of the proposal, saying Tehran was prepared to reopen the strategic waterway in exchange for several measures, including the release of frozen Iranian assets, the removal of restrictions on Iranian oil sales, and an end to the war.

Araghchi said the proposed arrangement would allow the United States to complete the requested measures within four or five days, followed by the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz on the sixth day and the resumption of negotiations toward a final agreement on the seventh.

Despite Trump's public rejection of the proposal, Araghchi said Iran was still awaiting an official American response through mediators.

Addressing the possibility of renewed negotiations, Araghchi accused Washington of repeatedly undermining diplomatic efforts, claiming that the United States had launched military operations against Iran during previous rounds of talks and subsequently violated an agreement reached between the two countries.

"To be honest with you, we have no reason to come back to diplomacy and engage with this administration once again," he said.

Nevertheless, he added, "But I'm still trying diplomacy because I think we shouldn't miss any chance for peace."

When Welker asked whether he trusted President Trump, Araghchi responded, "Well, we trust ourselves. We are ready for diplomacy. We are ready for war at the same time."

The Foreign Minister was also questioned about reports that Trump could resume military strikes against Iran following the US midterm elections.

"We are fully prepared for the war to be resumed. And I repeat, we stand firm in the face of any new aggression, even if it comes to a doomsday war," Araghchi declared.

He maintained that Iran had adjusted its military approach following previous confrontations, saying, "We have learned our lesson from the two previous wars, and we have corrected our tactics. We have changed our tactics, and we are fully prepared to do that."

The interview also addressed Iran's nuclear program, particularly its stockpile of uranium enriched to 60%, significantly higher than the enrichment levels required for conventional civilian nuclear electricity production.

Asked why Iran required uranium enriched to such a high level, Araghchi insisted that the activity was lawful under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and maintained that the material was intended exclusively for peaceful purposes, including medical applications.

"We have enriched uranium up to 60% for peaceful purposes, and it is within our commitment in the NPT. We have not violated the NPT," he said.

He also stated that Tehran had previously offered arrangements concerning its 60% enriched uranium during negotiations in 2025 and 2026, and suggested that the issue could be reconsidered if Washington demonstrated goodwill.

However, Araghchi said Iran preferred to postpone discussions concerning its nuclear program until later stages of negotiations, prioritizing confidence-building measures under the proposed seven-day agreement.

In the final portion of the interview, Welker questioned Araghchi about the absence of public appearances by Iran's Supreme Leader since he assumed office in March, asking why the Iranian authorities had not released video evidence of his condition.

Araghchi attributed the lack of public appearances to security concerns, claiming that the Supreme Leader continued to face threats from the United States.

"There are lots of indications that he is under threat by Americans, and there are other indications that he is in full control," he said.

He added that Iranian officials continued to receive instructions and opinions from the Supreme Leader, rejecting suggestions of competing centers of authority within the Iranian leadership.

Araghchi said the Foreign Ministry maintained close coordination with the government, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the Supreme National Security Council, and parliament, emphasizing that the country's institutions were operating together in confronting American sanctions and military operations.

US President Donald Trump said Sunday that he anticipates another round of negotiations with Iran in the coming days, despite rejecting Tehran's latest proposal for ending the conflict.

Speaking to Axios in a telephone interview, Trump indicated that diplomatic efforts would continue, although significant differences remain between Washington and Tehran over the terms of an agreement.

"I expect more talks with Iran [this week]. They want to make a deal, but it is not the deal that I want to make. It is what we would have maybe agreed to a year ago. They overplayed their hand," Trump said.

Asked whether he was considering launching additional military strikes against Iran, the President responded: "I am always thinking about it."

According to Axios, regional mediators, led by Qatar, are working to arrange further indirect negotiations between American and Iranian representatives, potentially beginning as early as Monday.

The two countries remain divided over the scope of a possible agreement. Tehran is seeking to address restrictions on maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and the US naval blockade, while Washington insists that any arrangement include Iranian concessions concerning its nuclear program.

The latest diplomatic efforts follow negotiations held last Tuesday on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, where US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner exchanged messages with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi through Qatari intermediaries.

During those discussions, Iran presented a proposal under which it would restore passage through the Strait of Hormuz and resume nuclear negotiations within a week, provided Washington ended its naval blockade, lifted restrictions on Iranian oil exports, and restored a regional ceasefire.

Trump rejected those terms on Saturday.

Nevertheless, Qatari officials have continued working with both governments on a revised framework. According to sources cited by Axios, the mediators have submitted alternative language for consideration and are expected to hold separate meetings with Araghchi and Witkoff as early as Monday.

The diplomatic activity included meetings in New York on Thursday between Qatar's prime minister and Iran's president, followed by discussions between senior Qatari representatives and Witkoff.

Meanwhile, Trump said US military operations were allowing substantial quantities of oil to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. He stated that more than 20 million barrels had passed through the strategic waterway over the weekend, describing it as the largest volume since the outbreak of the war.

A US defense official separately told Axios that 22 million barrels of oil had been exported through the strait on Friday night.

Araghchi, speaking to NBC on Sunday, reiterated that Tehran remains interested in reaching a diplomatic agreement despite Trump's rejection of its proposal.

"We only care about our national interests. We are ready for negotiations," he said, dismissing suggestions that Iran's diplomatic calculations were influenced by the upcoming US midterm elections.

"Although we heard from President Trump that he's rejecting this deal ... we are still waiting for an official response through the mediators," Araghchi added.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday rejected an Iranian proposal for a ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking to reporters, Trump confirmed that the proposal had been presented to him but made clear that he had decided not to accept it.

"They made a proposal, but I rejected it," he said.

Trump’s announcement came after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi presented details on Friday of the plan Tehran had submitted to Washington. According to Araghchi, the proposal was intended to bring about the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz within seven days, provided the United States fulfilled the conditions included in it.

Araghchi stressed, "The seven-day timeline will start as soon as the United States accepts this plan," he said, adding that Tehran now considers the ball to be in Washington’s court.

According to Araghchi, Iran’s demands under the proposal are not new, and are already included in the memorandum of understanding signed earlier this year between the US and Iran.

"If the necessary conditions are met, the Strait can be reopened and normal maritime passage restored within seven days," he added, noting that once the conditions had been fulfilled and the Strait reopened to maritime traffic, negotiations on the nuclear issue could resume.

Alongside his presentation of the proposal, Araghchi addressed claims that Iran is on the verge of acquiring a nuclear weapon, calling it a "big lie" invented by Israel in 2003 and repeated thereafter by Western governments.

He also stressed that "Iran does not accept coercion, threats, or intimidation, and Iran will not surrender its sovereign rights under pressure."

Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reported overnight that Trump had told his aides he intended to resume strikes against Iran after the US midterm elections, scheduled for early November.

Arutz Sheva-Israel National News is stopping its round-the-clock news updates at this time in honor of the start of Shabbat and the holiday of Sukkot in North America, where they are being written now.

Updates will resume Saturday night from Israel, following the conclusion of Shabbat and Sukkot at 19:07 Jerusalem time.

Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach!

Iran will not make concessions on its nuclear program even if the United States agrees to Tehran’s conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a senior Iranian official told Reuters on Friday.

The official, who spoke anonymously, said the strategically important waterway would remain closed until “all of Iran’s conditions are met" by Washington.

Iran’s proposal, reported earlier by The Associated Press, would see Tehran reopen the Strait of Hormuz and return to nuclear negotiations within seven days if the United States lifts its naval blockade of Iranian ports, removes sanctions on Iranian oil exports and agrees to a ceasefire that would also cover Lebanon.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi presented the proposal during a private meeting Thursday on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, according to an attendee cited by the AP.

Iran’s UN mission and other Iranian officials did not immediately comment. A source familiar with the discussions told the AP that Saudi Arabia remained skeptical of the latest diplomatic initiative.

The Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a key bargaining point in the negotiations. Washington is demanding unrestricted passage through the waterway, while Tehran is seeking an end to the naval blockade and could also seek the release of frozen Iranian assets.

The latest comments came a day after another senior Iranian official suggested that a phased agreement could offer a way out of the crisis.

At the same time, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian indicated Thursday that Tehran wants to reach an agreement with Washington before the US midterm elections in November.

“We don’t want it to get to the midterm elections," Pezeshkian said during a brief meeting with NBC News and other media outlets on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

“We wish Americans to return to the MOU before the midterms," Pezeshkian added, referring to a memorandum of understanding reached between the two countries in June that outlined a temporary ceasefire before subsequently collapsing.

The diplomatic efforts follow President Donald Trump’s UN General Assembly speech Tuesday, in which he highlighted the threat posed by Iran and reiterated his opposition to Tehran obtaining a nuclear weapon.

"There is no better example of a danger that was allowed to gather strength at the world’s peril than the number one sponsor of terror, the Islamic Republic of Iran. From the first day I entered the political arena, I have been unwavering - I will NEVER allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon."

Trump said he faces a major decision over the future of US policy toward Iran but expressed confidence that an agreement could ultimately be reached following the midterm elections.

"I have a big decision to make. Will a deal be made with Iran that lets them rebuild and create a far greater country than it ever was before, maybe one of the greatest in the Middle East or even the world? Or do I annihilate the Islamic Republic and do it quickly, never giving them a chance to kill and destroy people and countries again? Do I drive them into hell with no chance of survival and no hope of future greatness for generations? But I believe we’ll make a deal right after the election, because it doesn’t make sense for them not to."

(Arutz Sheva-Israel National News' North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Sukkot in New York. The time posted automatically on all Israel National News articles, however, is Israeli time.)

Arutz Sheva-Israel National News'Israel desk is stopping its round-the-clock news updates at this time in honor of the holiday of Sukkot. Jerusalem candle lighting time is 17:52 on Friday. Our North American desk will keep you informed until the 18:30 EDT candle lighting time in New York.

The updates from Israel will resume Saturday night, following the conclusion of Shabbat and Sukkot at 19:07 in Jerusalem.

Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach!

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian indicated Thursday that Tehran is prepared to pursue an agreement with Washington to bring the war to an end before the US midterm elections in November.

“We don’t want it to get to the midterm elections," Pezeshkian said during a brief meeting with NBC News and other media organizations on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

“We wish Americans to return to the MOU before the midterms," Pezeshkian added, referring to the memorandum of understanding reached by the two countries in June that outlined a temporary ceasefire. The arrangement later broke down.

The White House responded by rejecting the Iranian regime's record and defending President Donald Trump's policy toward Tehran. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly told NBC News, “The Iranian regime has murdered thousands of its own people, killed Americans overseas, executed acts of terrorism in the Strait of Hormuz, and launched indiscriminate attacks against its neighbors in the region."

“The President is courageously ensuring that such an evil country never possesses a nuclear weapon, which will make the entire world safer and more stable," Kelly added.

Pezeshkian also addressed the absence from public view of Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei.

He said he had met Khamenei twice, including a meeting about a month ago that lasted seven hours, and said he saw “any issues with his health or physical appearance" during their encounters. The two reportedly sat on the floor using traditional pillows.

Khamenei has not been seen publicly since the war began on February 28. His disappearance came after his father, Ali Khamenei, was killed in joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran, followed by Mojtaba Khamenei's appointment as Supreme Leader.

His prolonged absence has fueled speculation regarding his health and whereabouts, including claims that he sustained serious injuries or died. CNN reported in March that Khamenei was injured on the first day of the conflict, allegedly suffering a broken foot, injuries near his left eye and facial lacerations.

Meanwhile, Reuters reported Thursday that American and Iranian negotiators in New York are discussing a phased arrangement that could ease the conflict. Under the proposal being examined, Tehran could potentially reopen the Strait of Hormuz in return for Washington lifting its economic blockade.

The strategic waterway has become a central point of leverage in the negotiations. The US is seeking unrestricted shipping through the strait, while Iran is seeking an end to the blockade and could also request access to frozen Iranian assets.

A senior Iranian official told Reuters that a gradual agreement may provide the most practical path forward. "One way forward would be to solve the crisis in stages.

The discussions come after Trump used his address to the UN General Assembly Tuesday to warn about the threat posed by Iran and reiterate that he would not allow Tehran to obtain a nuclear weapon.

"There is no better example of a danger that was allowed to gather strength at the world’s peril than the number one sponsor of terror, the Islamic Republic of Iran. From the first day I entered the political arena, I have been unwavering - I will NEVER allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon."

Trump said he had offered Tehran economic cooperation after taking office in return for abandoning its nuclear program and support for terrorism, but claimed Iran rejected the proposal. He also warned that Iran had developed a missile capable of striking Europe.

"Iran has created a missile that will allow them to strike Europe," Trump warned.

The president said he faces a major decision on how to proceed with Iran, while expressing confidence that a deal could be reached after the US midterm elections.

"I have a big decision to make. Will a deal be made with Iran that lets them rebuild and create a far greater country than it ever was before, maybe one of the greatest in the Middle East or even the world? Or do I annihilate the Islamic Republic and do it quickly, never giving them a chance to kill and destroy people and countries again? Do I drive them into hell with no chance of survival and no hope of future greatness for generations? But I believe we’ll make a deal right after the election, because it doesn’t make sense for them not to."

The Senate voted narrowly Thursday to reject a Democratic-backed resolution that would have restricted US military action against Iran unless Congress explicitly authorized it.

The measure was defeated 50-49 after previously passing the House of Representatives in July. The vote largely followed party lines, with nearly all Senate Democrats supporting the resolution and most Republicans backing President Donald Trump and opposing it.

Four Republicans broke ranks to vote for the measure: Sens. Rand Paul of Kentucky, Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Thom Tillis of North Carolina. Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania was the only Democrat to oppose it.

Thursday's vote marked the 14th time the Senate has considered a war powers resolution since Trump launched the conflict with Iran on Feb. 28.

Lawmakers also advanced a measure in June aimed at limiting the administration's authority, but it ultimately failed after pressure from the White House prompted a Republican senator to switch his vote.

Last week, the House of Representatives voted to approve a measure directing Trump to end the US war with Iran.

The measure passed with support from seven Republicans, three more than backed the House's previous resolution on the conflict, according to the report.

US and Iranian negotiators meeting in New York are examining a step-by-step arrangement aimed at easing the conflict, with Tehran potentially reopening the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for Washington ending its economic blockade, Reuters reported on Thursday.

The Strait of Hormuz has emerged as the key point of leverage between the two sides. Washington is seeking the restoration of unrestricted shipping through the strategic waterway, while Tehran is pressing for relief from the blockade and could also seek access to frozen Iranian assets.

A senior Iranian official told Reuters that a phased agreement appeared to offer the most realistic route forward. "One way forward would be to solve the crisis in stages. The first would be to end the blockade and reopen Hormuz," the official said on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

The negotiations remain complicated by reluctance on both sides to give up their principal bargaining tools before receiving concessions in return. Sources cited by Reuters said the challenge is not only reaching an arrangement, but ensuring that any commitments are sufficiently lasting for both Washington and Tehran to rely on them.

President Donald Trump has said he believes an agreement could be reached after the November 3 congressional midterm elections. However, the report said Iran's economic situation has increased Tehran's interest in securing relief sooner. Former US negotiator Dennis Ross told Reuters that the blockade was placing significant pressure on Iran, saying: "The blockade is what's really squeezing the Iranians. It's strangling them."

Regional sources said Iran may be prepared to separate its demand for transit fees through the Strait of Hormuz from the main agreement and address it in an accompanying arrangement instead. Ending the US blockade has become Tehran's more immediate priority, although Iran would not consider such a move a permanent abandonment of its position.

At the same time, the senior Iranian official said Tehran was preparing for the possibility that military confrontation could resume. "Our fingers are on the trigger," he said, adding that the prospects for a diplomatic resolution remained "extremely low" because of what he described as excessive US demands.

Gulf leaders, meanwhile, have urged the restoration of freedom of navigation through Hormuz while also pressing for de-escalation and a political settlement. Regional sources said they rejected the idea of Iran exercising control over passage through the waterway and sought greater clarity from Washington about its plans should negotiations fail.

A Western official familiar with the talks said the immediate diplomatic focus remained clear: "It is all about opening the Strait of Hormuz. We're all under pressure domestically and the Iranians know that."

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Wednesday that he was uncertain how Iranian officials attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York would return home, as US sanctions disrupt Iran’s international aviation network.

“In terms of Operation Economic Outcast, we are squeezing the Iranians like they've never seen today," Bessent told Fox News. He said that more than 80% or 90% of Iran’s external flights had likely been shut down.

“I would say that the external flights from Iran, probably more than 80 or 90% of them, got shut down. I'm not sure how the Iranian representatives at the UN are going to get home."

Bessent said Washington was also targeting the financial networks supporting Iran. “So we have made it very clear around the world, whether it's the financiers, the people who are doing business to people who are supplying the Iranians, we know who you are, you know who you are, and we are going to prosecute and execute your your companies and your bank accounts every day and every week," he said.

The Treasury secretary had warned Monday that Iranian airlines could be forced to suspend international flights Wednesday because foreign aviation companies providing services to them could face secondary US sanctions.

Bessent also discussed the effort to keep oil moving through the Strait of Hormuz despite the blockade of Iranian ports. He said US forces were helping facilitate the movement of between 10 million and 17 million barrels of oil per day.

“The tankers, they may get hit," Bessent said of the conditions in the waterway. “Many of them just sail on," he added before describing how the Iranians may launch “three, four or five, six drones after them," he said.

“Our great Navy is blocking them, but we are getting between 10, 15, sometimes 17 million barrels a day out," he confirmed.

Bessent compared the current flow with the roughly 20 million barrels transported through the strait each day before the conflict. He said another 3 million barrels were likely moving through alternative routes, bringing the overall figure to between 13 million and 20 million barrels per day and helping explain the decline in oil prices from their spring highs.

He described the broader US pressure campaign as an effort to cut off Iran’s financial resources, arguing that the regime had been “cornered" by a combination of military, economic and financial measures.

“They're cornered animals," Bessent said, adding that the results Washington was seeing were the product of what he called “sequencing."

“The world has never seen anything like this, and it's because of sequencing. So we had six weeks of kinetic activity. We have the blockade, and now we have an effort never seen before in terms of constricting and cutting off the financial oxygen to them," he said.

Bessent said he could not predict how long the pressure would take to produce results. “I don't know whether it's going to be a week, a month or two months, but they're going to yell uncle. And the goal here can be one of three," he said before outlining possible outcomes including the Iranian regime turning against itself or an uprising by the Iranian people.

A third possibility, he said, would be for Iran to agree to a deal and honor its commitments. “And then three, to get the Iranians to, if they want to make a deal, to stick to the deal. We gave the MoU a try on June 3, and then the Iranians, a few weeks later, began firing on ships in the Strait and being very aggressive. And this time, if there is a deal, I guarantee you they're going to stick with it," he said.

Bessent’s comments came as tensions between Washington and Tehran remained high. In his address to the UN General Assembly Tuesday, President Donald Trump identified Iran as a major threat and reiterated his opposition to Tehran acquiring a nuclear weapon.

"There is no better example of a danger that was allowed to gather strength at the world’s peril than the number one sponsor of terror, the Islamic Republic of Iran. From the first day I entered the political arena, I have been unwavering - I will NEVER allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon."

Trump said he had offered Iran economic cooperation after taking office in exchange for abandoning its nuclear program and support for terrorism, but claimed Tehran rejected the offer. He also warned that Iran had developed a missile capable of reaching Europe.

"Iran has created a missile that will allow them to strike Europe," Trump warned.

The president said he faces a major decision over the next steps in dealing with Iran, while expressing hope that Tehran would agree to an agreement after the US midterm elections.

"I have a big decision to make. Will a deal be made with Iran that lets them rebuild and create a far greater country than it ever was before, maybe one of the greatest in the Middle East or even the world? Or do I annihilate the Islamic Republic and do it quickly, never giving them a chance to kill and destroy people and countries again? Do I drive them into hell with no chance of survival and no hope of future greatness for generations? But I believe we’ll make a deal right after the election, because it doesn’t make sense for them not to."

Despite Trump's speech, US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner conducted indirect discussions with Iranian representatives on the sidelines of the General Assembly.

“They successfully completed a round of discussions that we hope will prove constructive and promising," Witkoff said, according to Axios, adding that the mediators would continue their work.

Trump said the discussions lasted three hours and that another round would be “scheduled in the very near future." He characterized the meeting as a “very good" and “very productive meeting."

“The mediators were here. Not the highest level, but it’s something," Trump said. “A lot of good thoughts and a lot of things are working out very well."

“They had a very good meeting, and we’ll see how it turns out," Trump added during separate appearances at the General Assembly. “Certainly, it’s to their advantage to make a deal. If we can do that, it’s preferable I guess."

Iran’s military leadership on Tuesday dismissed US President Donald Trump’s remarks at the United Nations General Assembly as “merely a tool for domestic propaganda," while warning that its forces are prepared to respond to any further attacks by the United States or Israel.

The Armed Forces General Staff and Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, Iran’s highest joint operational command, said Trump’s comments would not alter the balance of power.

“The US president’s rhetoric does not change the calculations of power and will never compensate for this country’s diminished position in the emerging world order or America’s humiliating defeats in the war against Iran and the resistance front," they said in a statement carried by Iranian state media.

The statement added that Iran’s armed forces remain ready to launch “more severe, crushing and unpredictable" strikes against the US and Israel if further attacks occur.

Trump used his UN address to describe Iran as a major threat and reiterated that he would not allow Tehran to acquire a nuclear weapon. "There is no better example of a danger that was allowed to gather strength at the world’s peril than the number one sponsor of terror, the Islamic Republic of Iran. From the first day I entered the political arena, I have been unwavering - I will NEVER allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon."

The president said he faces a major decision on Iran and expressed hope that Tehran will agree to a deal after the US midterm elections. "I have a big decision to make. Will a deal be made with Iran that lets them rebuild and create a far greater country than it ever was before, maybe one of the greatest in the Middle East or even the world? Or do I annihilate the Islamic Republic and do it quickly, never giving them a chance to kill and destroy people and countries again? Do I drive them into hell with no chance of survival and no hope of future greatness for generations? But I believe we’ll make a deal right after the election, because it doesn’t make sense for them not to."

Trump later issued a separate warning over activity at Pickaxe Mountain, a heavily fortified facility near Iran’s Natanz nuclear site. The International Atomic Energy Agency recently confirmed construction activity there.

“We may have to blow up another one. Pickaxe Mountain... if we do [see activity], we’ll blow it up immediately," he said.

US President Donald Trump warned Iran on Tuesday that it must act “fast" as the United States intensifies financial pressure on Tehran, saying there could eventually be no opportunity for the Islamic Republic to “survive as a nation."

Speaking during a meeting with Persian Gulf Arab and other regional leaders on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Trump said the US is seeking to force Iran to change course.

“We’re completely isolating Iran financially and we’re just putting the pressure on because hopefully they’ll do the right thing fast before it’s too late," Trump said.

“There’s going to be a time when it’s too late and we won’t have a chance of letting them survive as a nation. I would like to see that," he added.

Trump also issued a warning over any renewed activity at Pickaxe Mountain, the heavily fortified facility located near Iran's Natanz nuclear site. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recently confirmed that it detected construction activity at the site.

“We may have to blow up another one. Pickaxe Mountain... if we do [see activity], we’ll blow it up immediately," he said.

Earlier Tuesday, Trump addressed the UN General Assembly, where he cited Iran as a major threat and reiterated his opposition to Tehran obtaining a nuclear weapon.

"There is no better example of a danger that was allowed to gather strength at the world’s peril than the number one sponsor of terror, the Islamic Republic of Iran. From the first day I entered the political arena, I have been unwavering - I will NEVER allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon."

Trump said he had offered Iran full economic cooperation after taking office in return for abandoning its nuclear program and support for terrorism, but claimed Tehran rejected the proposal. He also warned that Iran had developed a missile capable of reaching Europe.

"Iran has created a missile that will allow them to strike Europe," Trump warned.

He added, "Their goal was to complete their mad race for nuclear arms behind the defense of ballistic missiles."

Trump said he faces a major decision over how to proceed with Iran and expressed hope that Tehran will agree to a deal following the US midterm elections. "I have a big decision to make. Will a deal be made with Iran that lets them rebuild and create a far greater country than it ever was before, maybe one of the greatest in the Middle East or even the world? Or do I annihilate the Islamic Republic and do it quickly, never giving them a chance to kill and destroy people and countries again? Do I drive them into hell with no chance of survival and no hope of future greatness for generations? But I believe we’ll make a deal right after the election, because it doesn’t make sense for them not to. They’re waiting to see how I do in the midterm election. What they don’t realize is that I’m not running. I did that already and won in a landslide."

Iranian media reported that explosions were heard coming from the sea near Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz.

A senior Iranian official told Reuters on Tuesday that Iran could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if the United States reduces military pressure and ends its blockade of Iranian ports.

The official said Tehran is seeking a formal indication from Washington that it intends to pursue a diplomatic solution, together with an agreed timetable for moving the process forward.

The comments come after Iran's military central command said Sunday that it had received information indicating that the US was preparing to resume military operations with assistance from countries in the region. The Iranian military warned that such action would prompt an unrestricted response from Tehran.

The senior official said Iran's delegation attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York has been granted authority to renew diplomatic contacts with the United States.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian departed Tehran for New York on Tuesday morning. The official said Pezeshkian would not meet US President Donald Trump at UN headquarters.

The official added that discussions on the details of a possible agreement to bring hostilities between Iran and the United States to an end could take place in New York through mediators.

Tehran's proposal was conveyed to the United States through intermediaries on September 16, according to the official.

The official described the UN General Assembly as an opportunity for Washington to return to diplomacy and said Iran would be prepared to resume the diplomatic process if the United States takes concrete steps.

US President Donald Trump said Monday that he plans to hold meetings later in the day regarding the war with Iran, reiterating that Tehran will not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon.

Speaking to reporters after meeting New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani at Gracie Mansion, Trump said, “They’re not gonna have a nuclear weapon. Let me just put it that way," adding, “And they’re not doing well. In fact, I have meetings on it today."

The comments came after Revolutionary Guard spokesman Hossein Mohebbi warned that Iran is prepared for the conflict to continue and could alter its military strategy if the fighting with the United States intensifies.

“The war is not over," Mohebbi said in a statement carried by Iranian state media. “We will certainly change the geography of the war," he said, adding, “We will certainly bring new weapons with new capabilities into the battle." Mohebbi said the Revolutionary Guard had prepared for a prolonged conflict and warned that Iran could expand its list of targets. “Our targets will no longer necessarily be the same as before," he said, according to the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, adding that Iran still has targets that have not been struck.

Trump has been weighing how to proceed against Tehran. In a Fox News interview on Sunday, he said the options under consideration included further military action, continued economic pressure and a potential agreement with Iran.

In an interview with Axios on Thursday, Trump described the choice over renewed large-scale strikes against Iran as a major decision. “I have a big decision coming up. Do I want to go in and annihilate [the Iranian regime] or do I not? It's a big decision. Anything could happen with me," he said.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has maintained that Tehran does not want another war but will not give in to pressure or intimidation. He has also said Iran intends to uphold its existing agreements despite its lack of confidence in its adversaries.

“We do not want war and conflict and consider them harmful not only to the people of our country but to the world. At the same time, we will in no way yield to force and bullying," Pezeshkian said, according to Iran International.

Pezeshkian also argued that Iran should remain open to peace efforts, saying negotiations could provide security, while warning that an adversary could use talks as an opportunity to harm Tehran.

“We have no trust whatsoever in the enemy, but we remain committed to our agreements," he said.

Israel National News is stopping its round-the-clock news updates at this time in honor of the start of Yom Kippur in North America, where they are being written now.

Updates will resume Monday night from Israel, following the conclusion of Yom Kippur at 19:14 Jerusalem time.

Gmar Chatima Tova!

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Sunday that Tehran will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz unless its demands are fulfilled and the United States meets its commitments.

Speaking in a statement carried by the semi-official Fars News Agency, Ghalibaf said Iran had demonstrated during the past seven months that it could withstand attacks and pressure.

"Over the past seven months, we have shown that we are not helpless in the face of aggression," Ghaliaf said.

Ghalibaf, who headed Iran’s negotiating delegation to Islamabad in April, said Tehran intends to pursue diplomacy while continuing to confront its adversaries.

"We must both fight and negotiate," said Ghalibaf, who led the Iranian negotiating delegation to Islamabad in April.

He said Iranian demands had already been transmitted through mediators and that Tehran would not accept negotiations based on deception or unilateral terms.

"Our messages have been conveyed and our conditions have been clearly explained to the other side through mediators, and the enemy knows very well that the path of deception and one-sided imposition is closed," Ghalibaf continued.

"Until these conditions are met, the legitimate rights of the Iranian people are recognized and the Americans fulfill their commitments, there will be no opening for a return to the previous conditions for negotiations or for the Strait of Hormuz to be opened," he said.

Ghalibaf also declared that the regional balance of power was changing.

"Today, the old American order in West Asia has collapsed, and it is the Islamic countries of the region that must implement a new order," Ghalibaf added.

His comments followed a statement on Saturday by Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, who said that Tehran had delivered seven conditions to Washington for the resumption of negotiations. He did not disclose all seven publicly.

Later on Sunday, Ghalibaf responded on social media to a JPMorgan report saying the bank no longer had a baseline scenario for how the conflict would end. Referring to the strategic waterway, he wrote, This endgame cannot be modeled. It will be opened, and Iran's hand is already on the lever."

The JPMorgan report, published September 17, said the bank could no longer establish a baseline outlook for the conflict, reflecting heightened uncertainty surrounding the war and its impact on energy markets.

The Strait of Hormuz has become a central point of tension amid the continuing confrontation between Washington and Tehran. Iran has maintained its closure of the waterway while the United States has imposed a naval blockade aimed at restricting Iranian petroleum exports and maritime traffic.

A June agreement temporarily suspended the US measures in exchange for unrestricted commercial shipping, but Washington reinstated the blockade in July following renewed fighting.

Iran also announced last week that it would establish a new "prohibited zone" near the Strait of Hormuz. Rezaei said the area would extend beyond the strait into parts of the Persian Gulf.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has said he is considering several possible approaches to Iran, including further military action, continued economic pressure or a negotiated agreement.

Speaking to Fox News on Sunday, Trump said he was weighing several options, including additional military action, maintaining economic pressure or reaching an agreement with Tehran.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Sunday that Tehran does not seek war but will not submit to pressure or intimidation. He also said Iran remains committed to its agreements despite its distrust of its adversaries.

“We do not want war and conflict and consider them harmful not only to the people of our country but to the world. At the same time, we will in no way yield to force and bullying," Pezeshkian added, as quoted by Iran International.

Pezeshkian said Iran should not reject peace when it is offered because negotiations can provide security, while warning that an adversary could potentially exploit negotiations to harm Tehran.

“We have no trust whatsoever in the enemy, but we remain committed to our agreements," he said.

(Arutz Sheva-Israel National News' North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Yom Kippur in New York. The time posted automatically on all Israel National News articles, however, is Israeli time.)

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Sunday that Tehran is opposed to war but will not accept pressure or intimidation, while maintaining that it will honor existing agreements despite its lack of trust in its adversaries.

“We do not want war and conflict and consider them harmful not only to the people of our country but to the world. At the same time, we will in no way yield to force and bullying," Pezeshkian added, as quoted by Iran International.

Pezeshkian said Iran should not turn down an opportunity for peace because negotiations can provide security, but cautioned that an adversary could potentially exploit talks to harm Tehran. “We have no trust whatsoever in the enemy, but we remain committed to our agreements," he said.

His remarks came as US President Donald Trump considers his next move toward Iran. Speaking to Fox News on Sunday, Trump said he was weighing several options, including additional military action, maintaining economic pressure or reaching an agreement with Tehran.

Trump also indicated that he would be willing to meet Pezeshkian, who is expected in New York this week for the United Nations General Assembly.

In an interview with Axios this past Thursday, Trump said he was facing a major decision over whether to resume large-scale attacks against Iran.

“I have a big decision coming up. Do I want to go in and annihilate [the Iranian regime] or do I not? It's a big decision. Anything could happen with me," he said.

Trump subsequently told Fox News that Iran wants an agreement but is not yet prepared to reach one.

“Iran wants to make a deal. They’re not ready, in my opinion," Trump said. “They’re going to either make a deal that’s good, or we’re not going to make a deal at all."

Meanwhile, Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said Saturday that Tehran had delivered seven conditions to Washington for the resumption of negotiations. He did not disclose all seven publicly.

“The United States, if it wants to extricate itself from the predicament it has created, must accept Iran’s rights and conditions," Rezaei wrote on social media, saying the demands had already been conveyed to Washington.

In an interview with Al Jazeera, Rezaei specified three of the conditions: ending the war “on all fronts," releasing frozen Iranian funds and lifting the US naval blockade. He said Qatar had transmitted Tehran’s demands to Washington and that Iran was awaiting Trump’s response.

(Arutz Sheva-Israel National News' North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Yom Kippur in New York. The time posted automatically on all Israel National News articles, however, is Israeli time.)

Israel National News' Israel desk is stopping its round-the-clock news updates at this time in honor of Yom Kippur. Jerusalem candle lighting time is 17:59 on Sunday. Our North American desk will keep you informed until the 18:38 EDT candle lighting time in New York.

The updates from Israel will resume Monday night, following the conclusion of Yom Kippur at 19:14 Jerusalem time.

Gmar Chatima Tova!

President Donald Trump is weighing the United States' next steps regarding Iran and indicated that significant developments could come in the near future, Fox News chief foreign correspondent Trey Yingst reported Sunday following a conversation with the President.

Yingst said that Trump told him that he is currently considering several possible courses of action toward Iran, ranging from further military action to continued economic pressure or reaching an agreement with Tehran.

Trump said he would likely be willing to meet Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who is expected to attend the UN General Assembly in New York this week.

The President also addressed security alerts issued to US citizens in the region, telling Yingst that he does not view the current weekend as fundamentally different from others despite the heightened tensions.

Trump further discussed the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, following ballistic missile attacks targeting Saudi Arabia. According to Yingst, Trump said the US remains in regular contact with the Houthis and that the group has agreed not to engage in fighting with the United States.

Yingst said Trump emphasized that he remains in a decision-making phase regarding Iran and warned Tehran to exercise restraint as he considers the options before him.

Asked how soon a decision might come, Yingst said no specific timeline was given.

According to Yingst, Trump also described difficulties in identifying Iranian officials who are in a position to negotiate an agreement, saying that some officials were attempting to avoid being located.

Yingst described the administration as dealing with differing factions within Iran, including President Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on one side and more hardline Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps officials on the other.

The US naval blockade of Iran meanwhile remains in place and continues to place pressure on the Iranian economy.

Yingst cited CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper as saying that more than one billion barrels of crude oil have been escorted out of the Persian Gulf since the blockade began, further complicating Iranian attempts to stabilize its economy.

No clear timetable has been given for Trump's decision regarding Iran.

Iranian officials are expected in New York this week for the UN General Assembly, creating the possibility of diplomatic contacts as Trump continues to weigh the United States' next move.

An IDF engineering vehicle on Saturday drove over an explosive device belonging to the Hezbollah terrorist organization in the Security Zone in southern Lebanon.

As a result, two IDF soldiers were lightly injured and were evacuated to receive medical treatment. Their families have been notified.

In response, the IDF struck terrorist infrastructure in several areas in southern Lebanon. "Among the targets struck were observation posts and infrastructure from which Hezbollah terrorists operated to advance and execute attacks against IDF soldiers," the IDF reported.

"IDF soldiers continue to be deployed in the Security Zone in southern Lebanon in accordance with the agreement, and will continue to operate to remove threats to Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers.

"The IDF is currently operating, and will continue to operate with determination against Hezbollah's repeated attempts to harm IDF soldiers."

Arutz Sheva-Israel National News is stopping its round-the-clock news updates at this time in honor of the start of Shabbat in North America, where they are being written now.

Updates will resume Saturday night from Israel, following the conclusion of Shabbat at 19:16 Jerusalem time.

Shabbat Shalom!

Arutz Sheva-Israel National News' Israel desk is stopping its round-the-clock news updates at this time in honor of Shabbat. Jerusalem candle lighting time is 18:01 on Friday. Our North American desk will keep you informed until the 18:42 EDT candle lighting time in New York.

The updates from Israel will resume Saturday night, following the conclusion of Shabbat at 19:16 in Jerusalem.

Shabbat Shalom!

US President Donald Trump said Thursday that Iran is seeking an agreement with the United States but is not yet prepared to reach one. In an interview with Fox News, Trump said Tehran will either accept a favorable deal or there will be no agreement.

“Iran wants to make a deal. They’re not ready, in my opinion," Trump said. “They’re going to either make a deal that’s good, or we’re not going to make a deal at all."

Trump indicated that the US strikes carried out with B-2 bombers had eliminated Iran’s ability to advance toward obtaining a nuclear weapon. Without the American operation, he said, Iran would now have such a weapon “and they would use it. They would use it very easily."

He continued, "You look anywhere in the world, they're considered the most evil country right now in the world, and they've been that for a long time. They've been that for many, many years."

Trump also described Iran as being in a “very weak state," pointing to what he said was the worst condition of its economy, with inflation exceeding 300 percent. He added that soldiers, other military personnel and police officers were not receiving their salaries.

Turning to the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said the United States has firm control of the strategic waterway. “We control the Hormuz Strait. We control it strongly," he said, adding that American forces were attacking ships at night after destroying Iranian radar systems.

When asked whether he expected additional US military deployments or preferred to resolve the conflict through an agreement, Trump replied, “I think we’ll end up winning. I don’t know about through a deal, but we’re already winning."

The Fox News interview came hours after Trump told Axios that he was approaching a major decision regarding the next stage of US military action against Iran.

“I have a big decision coming up. Do I want to go in and annihilate [the Iranian regime] or do I not? It's a big decision. Anything could happen with me," he said.

Trump had said Wednesday that Tehran was eager to reach an agreement with Washington. “Hopefully we're toward the end of the war. Iran is very much wanting to make a deal," he told reporters.

Asked if he had recently communicated with Iranian officials and whether those contacts were direct or conducted through intermediaries, Trump replied, “No, directly."

Trump is expected to meet with Gulf leaders in New York next Tuesday on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. The war with Iran and plans for the period following the conflict are expected to be central issues in the discussions.

Iranian forces have shot down at least two US MQ-1 unmanned aircraft in recent days, according to American officials familiar with the matter who spoke to CBS News anonymously on Thursday.

The officials did not disclose where the drones were brought down or identify which MQ-1 variant was involved. CBS News noted that the US military has operated two main versions: the MQ-1 Predator, widely used during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan before being retired by the Air Force in 2018, and the larger MQ-1C Gray Eagle, which remains in service with the Army, including special operations forces.

Both aircraft were developed primarily for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions, although they can also be equipped with Hellfire missiles. Their capabilities make them particularly useful around the Strait of Hormuz, where they can maintain surveillance over the strategic waterway, monitor Iranian military movements and track potential threats to US forces and commercial vessels.

If the aircraft lost were retired MQ-1 Predators, their combined value would be approximately $8 million, according to CBS News. Gray Eagles vary in cost by configuration and can be worth tens of millions of dollars.

The reported losses come after the destruction of at least 24 MQ-9 Reaper drones since the United States began its war with Iran, according to a Congressional Budget Office report released this week. The CBO estimated the value of those losses at approximately $720 million and said an MQ-4C Triton was also destroyed, representing an additional loss of about $150 million.

US Central Command, which oversees American military operations against Iran, declined to comment to CBS News on Thursday.

The reported drone shootdowns come as military tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high. Although the two sides have conducted several rounds of negotiations during the conflict, fighting has continued in multiple parts of the region.

Last week, US forces struck several Iranian oil tankers linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iran subsequently launched a missile barrage at American bases in Jordan.

President Donald Trump said the following day that he expected the conflict to end immediately after the US midterm elections in November, saying Iran “can't hold out any longer."

On Thursday, Trump indicated that he was approaching a major decision on the next stage of the American military campaign.

“I have a big decision coming up. Do I want to go in and annihilate [the Iranian regime] or do I not? It's a big decision. Anything could happen with me," Trump told Axios.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said Thursday that its naval forces struck a Togo-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz after the vessel allegedly attempted an “illegal passage" through the strategic waterway.

According to Iranian state media, the IRGC Navy said the tanker caught fire and was forced to stop following the strike. The force claimed the vessel had attempted to cross the strait after being “incited and deceived" by the US military.

The IRGC said its forces continued to control the waterway and “will not allow any aggressor to pass through it." In a statement carried by Iranian state media, the IRGC Navy warned: “Illegal passage through the Strait of Hormuz will achieve nothing other than the destruction of the offending vessel."

The announcement followed a report from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), which said it had received information about a security incident in the Strait of Hormuz roughly 16 nautical miles northeast of Khasab, Oman.

UKMTO said the crew was reported to be safe and that no environmental impact had been confirmed when the notice was issued.

Authorities were investigating the incident, according to UKMTO, which advised ships operating in the area to exercise caution and report suspicious activity.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz as the United States and Iran continue military exchanges in the region. On April 13, Washington imposed a naval blockade on Iran, giving US Central Command authority to inspect vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports as part of efforts to restrict Iranian petroleum exports and maritime traffic.

A temporary 60-day agreement reached in June suspended the embargo in exchange for unrestricted commercial shipping. Washington reinstated the blockade in July following renewed clashes and attacks on vessels in the region.

Iran announced last week that it would create a new “prohibited zone" near the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian security chief Mohsen Rezaei said the designated area would extend beyond the strait into portions of the Persian Gulf.

US President Donald Trump is expected to meet with Gulf leaders in New York next Tuesday on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, with the war against Iran and plans for its aftermath expected to top the agenda, Axios reported on Wednesday.

Three sources with direct knowledge told Axios that the talks are expected to center on US proposals for a postwar strategy. Trump and his senior officials are working on a broader “day-after" plan that is expected to be finalized following the November midterm elections.

The meeting is expected to include leaders or foreign ministers from the six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council: Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman.

One source said additional Arab and Muslim leaders could also be invited. The White House declined to comment.

The talks come as Gulf states hosting US military bases have faced Iranian attacks during the war and suffered economic damage from disruptions to oil and natural gas exports.

Axios noted that the gathering would also echo a meeting Trump held on the sidelines of last year’s UN General Assembly with leaders from eight Arab and Muslim countries, when he presented a draft plan for ending the war in Gaza. Trump unveiled the plan publicly a week later, and an agreement to end the conflict was reached soon afterward.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also wants to meet with Trump in New York, although no meeting has been scheduled, according to an Israeli source cited by Axios.

The report comes as Trump has indicated that he believes the conflict with Iran may be approaching its conclusion. On Wednesday, he said Tehran is eager to reach an agreement with Washington.

“Hopefully we're toward the end of the war. Iran is very much wanting to make a deal," Trump told reporters.

Asked whether he had recently been in contact with Iranian officials and whether the communication had taken place directly or through intermediaries, Trump replied, “No, directly."

Just last week, the President said he expected the conflict to end immediately after the November midterm elections. He argued that Iran “can't hold out any longer" and accused Tehran of trying to prolong the war in an effort to influence the elections.

“They're desperate to try and affect the election so that we could get a nice, weak group of people in there and leave them alone and let them have their nuclear weapon."

On Monday, Trump also said Iran was seeking an agreement with the United States and indicated that Washington was willing to consider negotiations, while stressing that he would decide whether to proceed.

“The failing Nation of Iran wants to make a deal, quickly and badly," Trump wrote on Truth Social. “I will determine whether or not the U.S.A. will choose to engage - the concept of which we are open to."

US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he believes the war with Iran could be approaching its conclusion, while claiming that Tehran is eager to reach an agreement with Washington.

“Hopefully we're toward the end of the war. Iran is very much wanting to make a deal," Trump told reporters.

Asked whether he had recently heard from Iranian officials and whether the communication came directly or through intermediaries, Trump replied, “No, directly."

Trump’s comments come less than a week after he said he expected the conflict to end immediately after the November midterm elections. He argued that Iran “can't hold out any longer" and accused Tehran of trying to prolong the war in an effort to influence the elections.

“They're desperate to try and affect the election so that we could get a nice, weak group of people in there and leave them alone and let them have their nuclear weapon."

On Monday, Trump also said Iran was seeking an agreement with the United States and indicated that Washington was willing to consider negotiations, while stressing that he would decide whether to proceed.

“The failing Nation of Iran wants to make a deal, quickly and badly," Trump wrote on Truth Social. “I will determine whether or not the U.S.A. will choose to engage - the concept of which we are open to."

CBS has revealed images showing damage caused by Iranian strikes to US property and military sites in the Middle East. The photographs were taken by US military personnel stationed at American bases in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.

Among other things, the images show damage to radar systems, trailers crushed by Iranian missile or UAV strikes, buildings at US military bases that sustained heavy damage, a Boeing E-3 aircraft used for surveillance and intelligence purposes that suffered a direct hit and was put out of service, and more.

The CBS report did not state when the photographs were taken, but one US service member who documented the damage from the Iranian strikes told CBS: “This is significant damage to our bases that has not been reported to the American public. We’re standing there with our eyes closed and taking punches to the face."

The images were published just one day after the Pentagon confirmed that hundreds of US military buildings and facilities across the Middle East had been destroyed or damaged as a result of Iranian strikes.

A Pentagon report revealed that “Iranian strikes damaged and destroyed hundreds of buildings and facilities at US bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, and Jordan during the conflict. Equipment losses totaled $3.7 billion. In the months following the outbreak of the war, dozens of US aircraft were destroyed or damaged."

An American source also confirmed to Reuters that 12 US personnel were wounded in an Iranian strike on Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia.

The IDF on Wednesday evening released new footage from underground routes that were located and destroyed in the Ali al-Taher Ridge area.

Forces operating in the area located and investigated Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure, including a tunnel that served as strategic infrastructure for the terrorist organization.

The commander of the Commando Brigade, Col. M., said that operations in the area have been underway for approximately six months.

“Over the past six months, the unit’s forces, under Division 36 and together with the division’s brigades, have been locating, investigating, mapping, and destroying Hezbollah enemy infrastructure in the Beaufort Ridge and Ali al-Taher Ridge areas, with determination and ingenuity," he said.

Speaking from one of the tunnels located by the forces, he added: “We are currently inside a tunnel in the Ali al-Taher Ridge that served as strategic Hezbollah infrastructure. The unit’s forces, together with the Commando Brigade, located and investigated it and are now preparing to destroy it."

He added, “The Yahalom Unit will continue to operate above and below ground, wherever necessary, in order to remove threats to the residents of the State of Israel."

The commander of the Yahalom Unit, Col. A., described the Commando Brigade’s recent activity in the area.

“In recent weeks, troops from the Commando Brigade’s Egoz and Maglan units, together with the Yahalom Unit, have operated here in the Ali al-Taher Ridge area," he said.

“The troops seized the territory and established operational control over the area above ground, while surrounding and trapping the terrorists inside the underground routes."

According to the commander, the operation also included close-range encounters with terrorists.

“In some cases, when terrorists attempted to escape from the underground routes, they encountered our troops and were eliminated in face-to-face combat," he said.

He added that when the troops entered the underground infrastructure, they discovered extensive facilities that had been constructed over the course of many years.

“When we entered these underground routes, we found infrastructure that had been built over many years by the Iranian terrorist arm for Hezbollah, with the aim of harming Israeli civilians and IDF troops," he said.

“We will leave here only after we have destroyed all of the weapons and infrastructure that we found," he continued.

“All of Israel’s enemies should know that the long arm of the IDF will reach every last one of them, even when they hide inside caves and tunnels, as we found here, so that we can complete our mission of protecting the citizens of the State of Israel."

The US House of Representatives voted Tuesday to approve a measure directing President Donald Trump to end the US war with Iran, marking the third time the chamber has taken such action as the conflict continues to become an issue ahead of the November midterm elections, reported CNN.

The measure passed with support from seven Republicans, three more than backed the House's previous resolution on the conflict, according to the report. Democrats have described the vote as their most significant effort yet to challenge Trump's handling of the war, particularly as Congress approaches its final votes before the elections.

House Republican leaders have not formally instructed members how to vote on such resolutions. Trump, however, has publicly criticized Republicans who have opposed his position on the war, signaling the importance he places on congressional support.

The House previously approved a nonbinding resolution in July calling on Trump to halt US military operations against Iran. That measure passed 214-208, with four Republicans joining all voting Democrats.

The Senate subsequently blocked a separate joint resolution in a 47-49 procedural vote. Unlike the House measure, the Senate proposal would have had the force of law, although it would likely have faced a presidential veto had it cleared Congress.

The House has made repeated efforts to restrict Trump's military authority over Iran. In June, lawmakers also advanced an effort to curb the administration's authority, but the measure ultimately failed after White House pressure led a Republican senator to change his vote.

It remains unclear whether Senate Democrats will be able to secure enough support for another attempt to advance the measure. They are expected to make another effort later this week.

According to reports in Lebanon, two strikes were carried out in the Al-Qantara area of southern Lebanon.